Chronicle Editor
Nokuthaba Brita Ncube, [email protected]
IMAGINE a world where plastic waste, a growing environmental menace, gets a second life as a sustainable building block. Meet Calton Greg Nemutenzi, a 21-year-old engineering prodigy, who is transforming plastic trash into eco-friendly bricks. The young innovator’s creation isn’t just about construction — it’s about tackling a global challenge with a brilliant solution.
Currently in his second year at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust), where he is pursuing a degree in Civil and Water Engineering, Nemutenzi’s journey began in Bulawayo. He attended Hillside Primary School from Grades One to Three before transferring to Cecil John Rhodes Primary in Gweru, where he completed his primary education.
Growing up in Bulawayo and later moving to Gweru for high school, Nemutenzi’s fascination with engineering was sparked during his childhood.
“To be honest, I discovered my passion for engineering at a young age as I would dismantle DVDs, repurpose the parts, and create innovative toys like cars and robots,” he said.
His mother further nurtured this inspiration, always being supportive and instilling in him a love for science.
Nemutenzi recalls that his mother would challenge him to engage in science, problem-solving, and multitasking.
“During my primary school days, my mother made me join the science and technology club, which she headed. She ensured we were always involved in science activities and competitions,” he said. His first significant encounter was in grade four, representing the Midlands province at a symposium in Harare, where he presented to the former president and his vice.
In Grade Six, Nemutenzi represented Zimbabwe at the International Conference on Appropriate Technology (ICAT) and the province at the Research Council in Grade Seven. In August 2024, he made a notable impression at the SADC Industrialisation Public Lecture held at the University of Zimbabwe Innovation Hub. Representing the Civil and Water Engineering department, he showcased an innovative project on construction waste management, specifically the manufacture of alternative construction materials like ECO BRICK/Plastic Brick. The project caught the attention of the then Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Amon Murwira, and other delegates, highlighting the potential of engineering in adding value to degrees and building careers beyond academics. The project aligned perfectly with the theme “Building Research Capacity and Innovation Ecosystems for a Sustainable Industrialised SADC.”
Balancing his social life and academics, Nemutenzi noted that he does not consider himself particularly smart but believes that the Lord has provided him with a certain level of thinking that enables him to be a hard worker.
“Balancing university life is quite challenging because you have to create time for extracurricular activities and the project. However, team-building was the easiest way to tackle academics and the plastic brick project,” he said.
His life has been a continuous experiment, always looking for new ideas and trying to grow in the science and engineering field.
A trip to the Ngozi Mine dumpsite in Bulawayo ignited his interest in sustainability.
“I realised that plastic waste significantly affected lives and the environment, which got me thinking about potential solutions,” he said.
The biggest challenge he faced during the project was the discrepancy between theoretical ideas and practical execution.
“The most challenging part was perfecting whatever I was doing and conducting thorough research,” he said.
To Nemutenzi, mistakes are essential lessons that drive success, and he values constructive feedback.
“Sometimes you fail. I remember the first number of bricks I made after four hours was just three. The next day, I made eleven bricks in a whole day. Over time, I could make ten bricks a day until I eventually managed to produce 15 to 25 bricks per day,” he said.
Nemutenzi also asserted that engineers play a pivotal role in addressing global environmental challenges. He is greatly inspired by his supervisor, who chairs the civil engineering department.
“I feel like he is also a father figure and an amazing mentor in the field of engineering. If it were not for him, the plastic brick project would not be where it is currently,” said Nemutenzi.
Speaking on how he has benefited from working on the plastic brick project, Nemutenzi noted that the project has given him valuable experience and exposure. He has learned how to interact with other engineers who are well-equipped in the field.
“For a second-year student, I have gained significant insights into engineering and have already secured an attachment, even though I have not yet reached my fourth year. This is due to the mindset and practicality I have applied to this project,” he said.
Nemutenzi envisions himself as an engineer who will contribute immensely to problem-solving and the growth of Zimbabwe through waste management sustainability. He urged other students pursuing engineering to ensure that their innovations play a pivotal role in contributing to the attainment of an upper-middle-income economy.
Online Reporter